Mercedes replaces 87-year-old firehouse with $2.6M facility

MERCEDES – A $2.6 million, 17,500-sf fire station is Mercedes’ new crown jewel for first responders. It replaces the former station four blocks away, which was built in 1927.

Mercedes’ fire department employs six paid firefighters supported by 17 volunteers, according to Fire Chief Jaime Garcia. Four times larger than the old fire station, the new building will allow the city to add three new paid positions in the next year.

“The new facility has dorms, showers, and restrooms that will allow us to staff 24/7,” said Garcia of the two dormitories that can accommodate up to 14 firefighters and kitchen area.

The new fire station will allow for around-the-clock protection, and could reduce fire insurance premiums for business owners in the city — something officials hope will spur more economic development.